OUR MANDATE:
Changing Laws for Paws Advocacy Association Inc. (CLFP) is a non-profit organization consisting of passionate dog advocates that are dedicated to repealing Breed Specific Legislation (BSL) in Ontario and the rest of Canada. We are hard at work because currently Ontario has a “pitbull ban” that has been in force since 2005, and in stark opposition to this law, we believe that no dog s
hould be euthanized or sent to a lab based solely on its appearance. We also believe that no person should be discriminated against solely because of the type of dog that they own and as a result this ownership has affected their choices in the following: living situations, lifestyle choices, and companion animal. Additionally, we believe that people should not live in fear and anxiety about one day having their dog taken away from them because it is deemed a “pitbull” or “substantially similar” dog such as an American Bulldog, Mastiff, Labrador mix. Lastly, and most importantly, we believe in public safety and we believe the only way to achieve this is through laws that do not discriminate against a specific breed. We are strong supporters of any upcoming or current “Hershey’s Bill”, a private member’s bill, if introduced into Provincial Parliament and passes, will repeal BSL in Ontario. In order to combat BSL, CLFP believes in a flexible, multi-method approach: political lobbying, research, educational events, and social events. Political lobbying involves contacting federal, provincial and municipal politicians through phone, in-person, email, policy proposal or letter to discuss the inefficiencies of BSL and to provide government officials with alternative solutions to the problems that they want to address. We strongly encourage working with the politicians whether it be through an advisory position or helping them write policy alternatives. In the event working with the politicians is not an option, CLFP promotes rallying and protest activities, as well as staging presentations in front of committees or municipal councils, to strongly vocalize our rights as dog owners. CLFP heavily endorses breed-neutral policy that targets reckless owners. Researching the laws and gathering statistical information is also important in the fight against BSL, for it provides evidence to dispel any myths related to specific dog breeds as well as detail the ineffectiveness of BSL. Research also provides CLFP with creative solutions that guide the creation of breed neutral policy alternatives to BSL. Educating the general public, media, local businesses and politicians about the inefficiency of BSL and responsible dog ownership is done through social events that foster community-building, conversation and knowledge. Some examples of these events are BBQs, rallies, pub nights, seminars, or power-point presentations at schools. We welcome getting involved in community events thrown by other organizations and happily support charitable organizations and rescues. We do this because we believe that a united and organized front is a cornerstone to change. We believe in utilizing any media avenue where we could get the anti-BSL message out and this includes tv, radio, newspaper, and any social media tool.
